Faculty Research

Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Depression and Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Increase Exercise in Young Black Men with HIV Who Have Sex with Men: Approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States with about 40,000 new diagnoses each year. Of these new diagnoses, roughly 45% are seen in young black men with HIV who have sex with men (YBMSM) although they comprise only 12% of the population.

Using user-centered (UX) design methodologies, Dr. SantaBarbara will iteratively refine the proposed MI content and intervention design in collaboration with YBMSM (n=~20). He will then test the newly designed intervention and assess its feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy compared to a time-matched contact control in a randomized pilot study (n=30).

Exploration of Preferences for the Content and Structure of a Workplace Wellness Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Most jobs for working-class adults include physically inactive tasks and exposure to unhealthy food choices. Workplace wellness programs (WWP) provide unique opportunities to target cardiovascular disease risk and other contributors to serious health conditions in large employee populations by capitalizing on existing resources. Despite the benefits of WWP for physical and mental health, engagement and adherence remain a challenge.

The proposed mixed-methods pilot study will recruit Merrimack Faculty and Staff and assess preferences for the content and structure for a WWP with greater engagement and adherence potential. The specific objectives of this proposed mixed methods pilot study are to address the: 1) rates of willingness to participate in a WWP, 2) preferences for the content and structure of a WWP, and 3) perceived barriers and facilitators to engagement and adherence, prior to the development of the first iteration of the WWP. Participant responses will be recorded using a combination of surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results from this study will provide direction and guidance towards the development of the first iteration of the Warrior Health Improvement Program (WHIP).